I really envy people on their clairvoyance regarding how good he will 'never' become or not become.
Being so dismissive about someone so young, I just don't get it. Not every player develops in the same way. Some peak early, some peak late, and some show steady progress throughout their career. I wish I could say that in my long time of watching football I have acquired the ability to tell which player is which in that regard, from the moment I see them, but I'd be lying if I did.
Is Bale an early bloomer that will shine early and then quickly proceed to oblivion, or is he special talent that will continue to improve year on year, and well into his 30ies? feck knows. All I can say is that I can remember players who are now(rightly) considered legendary, that weren't as good as Bale is now at that age. Considering that fact, other than pure malice I really don't see why we should assume anything about his future, speaking in absolutes and categorical dismissals.
I think he's a fantastic player. Perhaps I wouldn't go as far as Capello in praising him, or some of the recent articles, but it's funny, whenever I hear or read one of those undoubtedly exaggerated compliments about him, it doesn't cause an enormous allergic reaction, that then prompts me to write even worse drivel on here, as some sort of counter point, designed to 'balance things out'.
Best or Gento he may never be, but it should be pretty obvious by now that he isn't a brainless kick an run merchant and an over-hyped one match wonder, that he's been described as so often here, either.